Markovic already looks a diamond to be smoothed

Olympiakos panicked every time Lazar Markovic got on the ball. That, it would appear, would be the worst thing to do.

The more space he is afforded, the more chance he has of producing something special. Even in this 45-minute debut, he did so a few times.

His long legs, flashing over the ball, confused defenders; in a style that has become commonplace in football, he cut on to his stronger foot, opened up his body and looked to beat players with skill, speed and deft movement.

Twice he went close, both times curling his effort over, the goalkeeper looking beaten. With just five goals for Benfica last season, it is a part of a game that will have to develop; so, too, the defensive aspect of his play.

But he is in the right environment to learn, and already glimpses of his ability were seen. So far – albeit not far at all – so good.

Depth is getting better

Ignoring the wonderfully American stadium announcer - with his sponsorship plugs and pronunciation of 'Oh-limpy-ay-koz' – for just a moment, the substitutions told a story.

Granted, this is just pre-season and there are more changes here than there ever would be in a Premier League game.

But at half time, Philippe Coutinho was introduced into the game. Alongside him, Joe Allen and Jack Robinson.

One is set to become one of Brazil's best over the next few years; Allen is deeply entrusted by the manager; Robinson is a young full back who has caught the eye at the most crucial time in his Liverpool career.

The conveyor belt continued. Lucas Leiva and Sebastian Coates appeared, as did Martin Kelly. Then came Rickie Lambert and Jordon Ibe.

The squad already has a depth to it not seen at Anfield in years. When considering Adam Lallana, Daniel Agger, Fabio Borini and Jon Flanagan are absent – and with more signings imminent – the manager will have plenty at his disposal this season.

A pity he can't make eight changes every game.

Fitness is getting better too

It was hot in Chicago, played in a stadium with offered little shade, the vast stands rising out into the city skyline.

But for a pre-season friendly, the Reds' tempo was surprisingly quick from the first whistle.

Memories of the goalless draw against Tottenham in Baltimore two years ago threatened to dampen any enthusiasm, with conditions similar – if not quite as hot as that lava-like afternoon in 2012.

But Liverpool were energetic from the start, with Sterling's goal just reward for the purpose in their play.

This was the club's fourth pre-season game. Throughout the tour of the US, Rodgers has been keen to highlight how every day is a progression towards the opening game against Southampton.

The result will have pleased the manager, but more so the glimmer of intensity that pervaded much of last season.

New bodies in defence needed

But there were times when Olympiakos – nowhere near full flight themselves in attack – stretched the Reds. Only good last-minute defending, usually from Martin Skrtel, stopped a free chance at goal.

So Liverpool did defend well. But they also, at times, defended dangerously.

Liverpool conceded 50 goals last season, but it could have been more. Excellent one-on-one defending masked the lack of shape, the exposure and poor positioning that became too frequent in certain games.

Those bad habits looked to be returning. If a ball had just been more accurate, or harder, or lofted, then the Greek champions would have been given one-on-one opportunities.

Agger aside, the starting back four on Sunday is not too far removed from what the Reds lined up with during the early stages of the season. Is it the system or individuals that have Liverpool living so perilously?

The arrival of Dejan Lovren, a £20m signing from Southampton, will go some way to answering that.